folex Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 (edited) It took me awhile before the rep strap came to me, but finally it arrived today. So here comes the pictures. Before you look further, I'd like to point out that there IS a huge difference between the Rep straps and the OEM strap. Not only does the quality of the leather look different externally, it actually feels different when you have it on your wrist. Furthermore, it just brings a different feel towards your rep. The fact that you know that a part of it is gen, really makes you treasure your rep more. At the least, thats what I felt. In fact, I started wearing my rep as my daily beater instead of my gen just because I was wearing that new Gen strap of mine, in which I purchased off a member here. So for those of you who are debating of whether to get an OEM strap, I highly recommend it. For those of you who already use an OEM strap, you know what I mean Just a different satisfaction altogether. Hopefully this comparison or review is comprehensive, feel free to ask any questions as we go along. But obviously, the disparity in price says it all. ~$400 for the OEM and just about free with a purchase for a PAM from one of our TD's. Without further due, here are the pics as promised. (Commentary on top, pics right below it) 1. For those who are new, the gen or OEM strap is the one on the top, with CNG. It is obvious that the quality of the interior leather is different. The OEM gives a firm, but flexible feeling, making the watch really apart of your wrist. Whereas the rep is somewhat stiff. And as you can see, the gen has a fine engraving it, whereas the rep is just different. 2. The thickness is somewhat similar. 3. Again the gen has a more detailed and "perfect" finishing to it. Notice how the rep strap has the Panerai logo alittle misaligned. What I'm really trying to point out here though, is the holes. For those who want to compare the difference, the finishing in the holes are of different width and shape. 4. Again, the holes are very different. The quality of the leather is different, the gen being less stiff, although the color of the rep here seems brighter. In real life, it is somewhat indifferent, its difficult to tell even side by side just by looking at the color itself. 5. Same comments as the top ones, just to further clarify. 6. Notice the difference in stitching. The OEM uses thicker threads than the Rep. 7. Notice the texture, with the gen you can see the creases better than the rep, its deeper and more consistent. (Gen is the one on the bottom) 8. Notice how the Gen has a square "strap thing", while the rep resembles an oval. Again, the difference in the finishing and quality of leather. 9. And those of you who want to see the tubes. The gen's tube fits better into the gen strap. It slides in and out easily, whereas the rep requires some more effort to pull it in and out. Furthermore, the rep tube's finishing is not as good. Hard to see from the pics, but its quite evident in real life. 10. Finally, my assistant who is helping me hold the rep strap. I guess the strap has an odor or something, she puked after biting the strap. Maybe its the leathery chemical on it, but at that moment shes happy stealing it from my table. Well hope you enjoyed my short review. And to add on, I bought my rep from Toro, great seller, patient despite my picky nature in purchasing a watch from him. Rejected 3 QC's, and although he wasn't very happy with it, he remained calm and patient, politely asking me to pick another model if I could not settle with the next QC pic. But fortunately, things went well Edited November 12, 2012 by folex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchmeister Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Very nice review. It will of course vary depending on the particular rep strap but I do think all the observations generally hold. For those who have never worn a gen strap I will warn you that it is a slippery slope. But the nice thing about Panerai is that a couple of straps can cover multiple watches so I always feel like I am getting my money's worth - 50 straps later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerthat Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Thanks for the review Love the last photo!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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